Statement by the Australian Public Service Commissioner on the Robodebt Centralised Code of Conduct Inquiry
Sets a clear precedent for senior APS accountability post-Royal Commission, reinforcing integrity and leadership expectations across the public service.
Key points
- APSC Commissioner finds 12 individuals breached the APS Code of Conduct 97 times in connection with Robodebt.
- Two former Secretaries, Campbell and Leon, named publicly - a rare exercise of discretion under s72A of the Public Service Act.
- Limited direct AI relevance; Robodebt's automated debt-raising mechanism is not the subject here - conduct and accountability are.
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"Statement by the Australian Public Service Commissioner on the Robodebt Centralised Code of Conduct Inquiry"
Source: APSC – Media Releases & Statements
Published: 13 September 2024
URL: https://www.apsc.gov.au/about-us/working-commission/who-we-are/media-releases-and-statements/statement-australian-public-service-commissioner-robodebt-centralised-code-conduct-inquiry
The Australian Public Service Commissioner has released findings from the centralised Robodebt Code of Conduct Inquiry, concluding that 12 individuals breached the APS Code of Conduct on 97 occasions. Two former Departmental Secretaries - Kathryn Campbell and Renée Leon - are named publicly under a public interest determination, with findings of multiple serious breaches including lack of integrity, misleading ministers and oversight bodies, and failure to act on known legal concerns. Sanctions have been recommended for current employees; former employees face disclosure obligations if seeking re-engagement with the APS. The statement concludes with a substantive reflection on leadership, ethical decision-making, and accountability culture across the APS.
Retrieved from SIMS, 18 July 2026.